Downtown Development Digest: Punch Bowl Social

24 Apr Downtown Development Digest: Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social has recently announced its expansion into downtown Austin, and is expecting to open its doors February 2019.

Punch Bowl Social has recently announced its expansion into downtown Austin, and is expecting to open its doors around February 2019.

This will be Austin’s second Punch Bowl Social location, with the first being at The Domain. The Denver-based, entertainment restaurant chain has made a name for itself across the country. With their overloaded restaurants also being home to vintage arcade games, karaoke rooms, bowling alleys, virtual reality experiences, table games and bars, these eatery’s are practically a grown-up’s ideal playground!

Punch Bowl Social has taken a stance on being a place for people to come and be themselves. The restaurant chain believes in the “dirty modern mash up of chandeliers, food for foodies, PBR tallboys and craft beverages,” as well as “brunch turning into a bowling party and bowling parties turning into all-you-can-sing karaoke.” You can expect the general atmosphere of these locations to offer a full-range experience of unequalled music, food, games, beverages and exploration. Their mission is to provide an environment tailored for each person’s desired “going out” experience.

In 2012 The Punch Bowl Social originally opened in Denver, and since then has expanded to 12 locations across the country with several more coming soon. Austin’s new establishment will be located within the Scarbrough Building at 522 Congress Avenue and 6th Street. Robert Thompson, founder and CEO, revealed his reasoning behind choosing this building: its historical value, Chicago-style architecture, Art Deco details and, not to mention, the building’s prime location in the heart of Austin.

One of the up-and-coming downtown location’s most differentiating features is a “more Texas- and Tex-Mex menu,” according to Hugh Acheson, a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, Top Chef judge and Punch Bowl Social’s culinary partner. The approach to creating this menu has been based on the anticipation of engulfing the nation’s culinary landscape in its entirety.